Cadillac are still working through their driver options for their first season in Formula 1, but Juan Pablo Montoya has already spoken out against one of the names being linked to a seat.
Their first official test is set for January, and they will want to have someone signed up by then to make the most of that session.
Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are leading the polls at this point in time. It is possible Bottas could be confirmed soon. Toto Wolff has hinted at some news coming up, telling fans to “watch this space” when asked about what is next for Bottas.
Alex Dunne is also being considered. The Irish F2 driver made a positive impression during his FP1 debut with McLaren earlier this year and could be an interesting long-term option for Cadillac as they look ahead.
Juan Pablo Montoya advises Cadillac to consider a short-term deal for Valtteri Bottas before moving to a younger option
Juan Pablo Montoya and son Sebastian, a current F2 competitor, discussed Cadillac’s potential 2026 targets with AS Colombia. Sebastian named Perez and Bottas as top contenders.
Montoya Sr. agreed: “Yes, for me, I think that’s the pair. And the way I think they should do it is sign one for two years and the other for one year.
“Commit one for two or three years and then start looking for someone younger who can be more of a future for them.”
“Because the two drivers they have would be very good, but they’re drivers that in two or three years will already be thinking about stopping. But for the beginning of the team, it would be the ideal pair.”
When asked which driver he would give a longer contract to, Montoya responded: “Of the two, Checo. I think Checo would fit them a little better with the profile and everything, but Bottas is also very fast.
“So there you have to see exactly. Exactly. It depends on how motivated Valtteri is because I think Valtteri is very fast and can be faster than Checo, but Valtteri is very emotional – it depends on the day.”
Mick Schumacher has reportedly shifted his focus towards securing a reserve driver role at Cadillac as he looks to make his return to full-time racing in Formula 1.
Cadillac are looking to lure staff away from rival F1 teams
Alongside their driver search, Cadillac are also working to fill key positions within their organisation as they look to strengthen the team ahead of their first season.
The team is reportedly offering double salaries to staff at other F1 teams, with a recruitment approach that includes direct visits to rival factories and open invitations for personnel to make the switch.
| US bases | Charlotte, Michigan, North Carolina |
| UK base | Silverstone |
| CEO | Dan Towriss |
| Team principal | Graeme Lowdon |
| Technical director | Nick Chester |
| Engine | Ferrari |
| Drivers | TBA |
Red Bull, still adjusting after Christian Horner’s departure, are said to be particularly exposed to Cadillac’s strategy, especially given the financial resources behind the new American entry.
With Cadillac’s UK base set up in Silverstone, the higher pay on offer could be appealing for many local F1 professionals already based nearby.
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